This fully asynchronous course is designed for educators and administrators who want to learn about the power of student-centered learning and want to elevate their instruction to the next level. Whether you're just beginning your workshop journey or looking to refine your practice, this course will provide you with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to transform your classroom. The courses focuses on literacy strategies in particular, but the workshop method can be applied to all subject areas. The course is designed and written by JoAnn Duncan, an educator with over 20 years of experience, specializing in whole-child education that fosters hands-on, place-based learning. Her commitment to advancing education has earned her several accolades, including Administrator of the Year and Distinguished Administrator.

Course participants will work at their own pace on Canvas to submit assignments in three modules. Each module is designed to be practical, reflective, and rooted in authentic classroom experiences. Throughout the three modules, you'll explore the foundational components of the Workshop Model, learn how to integrate Daily 5 and CAFE, and discover how metacognition, conferring, and goal setting can drive differentiation. Module 1 uses a classroom video to showcase how the workshop model works during instruction. After watching the video you will complete a short reflection. Module 1 should take around 1.5 hours to complete. Module 2 looks at how the Daily 5 and CAFE frameworks complement literacy instruction. After completing some readings on these frameworks, you will create your own lesson plan and reflect on how the frameworks differentiate instruction. Module 2 should take around 4.5 hours to complete. Module 3 looks at specific tools for building metacognition through goal setting. After reading about these tools, you will write a short reflection on how you can use them. Module 3 should take around 4 hours to complete. By the end of this course, you’ll not only have new strategies in your toolkit—you’ll have a new lens through which to view your students, your instruction, and your impact.

Deadline:  Participants must complete this session in Canvas by February 15, 2026. Completion of the course offers an opportunity to purchase 10 clock hours in Equity or Educational Leadership. Course attendance is taken on an on-going basis after participants finish, often within 3-5 days, though during rush periods and holiday breaks please be aware it may take up to 2 weeks. Please Note: Due to holiday breaks, no grading or recording of attendance will take place during the time periods of November 24 – December 1, 2025 and December 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026. Attendance for courses completed during these time periods will be completed as soon as possible after the break. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Photo courtesy JoAnn Duncan